Two weeks later, we had Sunday lunch at my parents' house. Tristan and Kelsey came too. Halfway through the pot roast, Dad tapped his glass.

“I've got an announcement,” he said proudly. “Tristan's let me into Vaughn Capital. I put a hundred thousand dollars in last month. Guaranteed twenty percent a year!”

Everybody clapped. Mom beamed.

“And next month,” said Dad, “I'm putting in the rest of my retirement savings. Another three hundred thousand. Tristan says it's a special opportunity, just for family.”

I looked at Dan.

He'd stopped eating. He put his fork down very slowly.

“Ron,” he said quietly. “Please don't put any more in. Not one more dollar.”

The table went silent.

Dad frowned. “What? Why not?”

“I can't explain,” said Dan. “I'm asking you to trust me. Please. Keep your savings where they are.”

Tristan laughed loudly.

“Ron, with respect, Dan's a bank teller. He thinks a savings account is exciting.” He clapped Dan on the shoulder. “No offense, buddy. Twenty percent's just above your pay grade.”

Everyone laughed except Dan and me.

Kelsey glared at him across the table.

“You're just jealous, Dan,” she said. “You've always been jealous of anyone more successful than you.”